The Lahore Education Board in Punjab has introduced new rules that impose a jail term of three years and a fine of Rs 50,000. 50,000 for leaking or sharing exam papers.
Under the new rules, officials involved in leaking exam papers will face jail, fines and dismissal from their jobs. Additionally, bringing mobile phones to practical exams or any form of disruption will result in action under the Yeda Act.
Punjab’s education minister, Rana Sikandar Hayat, has spearheaded a major crackdown on cheating for nearly a year. Reflecting on the operation, he revealed: When we went after the ‘booti mafia’, we were shocked at how powerful these individuals were, having gained control of the entire system.
He continued: “Last March we launched our crackdown on exam cheating. After months of effort, we busted seven gangs, each operating independently. These gangs were backed by a private school mafia involving government staff, exam boards and teachers.”
Rana Sikandar Hayat also mentioned that private employees at examination centers were caught red-handed and charged up to Rs 10,000. to solve papers for students. “After months of hard work, we focused on legal reforms. The Lahore board has already started implementing them and other boards are following suit.”
He further explained, “The people we caught ran networks to facilitate cheating through social media and other digital platforms. Despite filing cases, many managed to escape because there were no laws to address digital cheating. Now we have closed all these loopholes.”
“From now on, anyone caught cheating will go straight to jail and there will be no bail in such cases,” he added.
Teachers’ unions have welcomed the enforcement of tougher anti-cheating laws.
